NCTC Board of Regents hears student stories

Elizabeth F. Abu
| Nov 21, 2017

Regents of the North Central Texas Community College District heard from several members of the new NCTC Elite Team Monday night.

The NCTC Elite Team is a Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program that assists the NCTC Community and Denton County with necessary “college going” information lacking to specific low socio-economic groups of parents and students in elementary, middle and high schools. In addition, they help other NCTC student navigate the academic processes within the college.

The NCTC Elite Team is comprised of 1st generation and low economic NCTC students showing leadership skills and a compassion for helping students and their families. NCTC Dean of Strategic Student Initiatives and Multicultural Outreach Dr. Roxanne Del Rio oversees the team of students.

Del Rio noted that the community impact made by this group was over 1,300 students and parents from April 2016 to April 2017.

NCTC Chancellor Dr. Brent Wallace also recognized the NCTC Stock Horse Team and their coach Cathy Luse. The team was recently declared Reserve World Championship Collegiate Team at the 2017 Stock Horse of Texas (SHOT) World Championship Show.

Vice Chancellor of External Affairs Debbie Sharp reported that the NCTC Foundation’s Dancing to the Stars event in Bowie raised over $57,000 for scholarships in Montague County.

Regents approved and adopted the 2016 - 2017 Amended Budget presented by Vice Chancellor of Fiscal Affairs Dr. Janie Neighbors. The total use of funds for 2016 – 2017 came to just over $60.1 million.

NCTC Horticulture Instructor Ashley Hartman presented a Horticulture Associate of Applied Science Degree to the board for consideration. The degree would grow out of the existing Horticulture Management Certificate and Landscape Design Occupational Skill Award. The board approved the degree.

Dr. Neighbors gave a financial report to the board, reporting normal fiscal activity and TechHire Grant Manager Susan Svane gave an update on Department of Labor grants. The Rural Information Technology Alliance (RITA) grant served 687 participants, helping them attain 498 credentials, 196 certifications and 302 degrees. The RITA grant ended this year, but the TechHire grant has quickly taken its place, with 125 current participants out of a target of 450. Through this grant students can receive tuition assistance, certifications, and job placement help through paid internships.

After a short meeting in executive session, the board reconvened into an open meeting and adjourned. No action was taken on matters discussed in executive session.

All regents were present for Monday’s meeting.

NCTC first generation student Joselin Orta Aguirre told her story to the NCTC Board of Regents Monday night, as part of a presentation from the NCTC Elite Team, a peer-to-peer mentoring program that assists NCTC students and the Denton County community with “college going” information.

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